1.54 



AQUATIC MICROSCOPY FOR BEGINNERS. 



6. VAGlNfcOLA (Fig. in). 



The lorica is colorless, transparent, and about three 

 times as long as broad. In form it is long vase- 

 shaped, or nearly cylindrical, the base, or the part 

 fastened to the plant or other object, being usually 

 rounded. The animal, when it projects, extends for 

 a considerable distance beyond the opening at the 

 front of the lorica. When fright- 

 ened, or disturbed in any way, it 

 quickly closes up its broader front 

 part, and retreats as far into the 

 sheath as possible. When recov- 

 ered from its fright it slowly ascends 

 to the opening, expands itself and 

 resumes its fishing operations. It 

 is fastened to the extreme end of 

 the lorica by the tip of the body; 

 from the sides it is entirely free. 

 On its front border it has a wreath 

 of fine cilia in continuous motion 

 when the animal is extended. The 

 body is soft and flexible, and is 

 sometimes of a pale greenish tint, 

 but the lorica, I think, seldom changes color even 

 with age. It is not uncommon to find two bodies in 

 one sheath, where they seem to live together in peace 

 and harmony. This may be an advantage to both, 

 for two wreaths of cilia can, of course, produce 

 stronger currents, and so bring more food to the 

 mouths of the always hungry creatures. Vaginicola is 

 common on Lemna and on Myriophyllum. 



7. Platycola (Fig. 112). • 



The lorica is flattened, and is in outline almost cir- 



Fig, III. — Vaginlcola. 



